Financial Advisor posts
Obama Wants Better Retirement Benefits Plans for Americans
President Obama and the Democrats are working hard to ensure that the common American citizens are not cheated by the financial brokers when they are seeking a good retirement benefits plan. The Republicans argue that the financial brokers already deal with so many rules and the new rules would force them to get rid of main clients and small businesses.
Obama to use Veto for Retirement Benefits
It is also being speculated that the President may use his veto power to ensure that the Labor Department rule on retirement benefits advice is passed. He may be forced to use the veto power because the U.S senate has voted against the bill. The debate on the passing of this bill stretched over the entire day on Tuesday.
The Rule
The rule that is proposed by the Obama government aims to set a fiduciary standard for financial brokers who are involved in selling retirement products. The new rule would make it mandatory for them to put clients’ best interests ahead of their own need to achieve the bottom lines. The arguments in the session mostly focused on whether the new bill would be in the best interests of the lower and middle-income workers or not.
Republicans’ Stand
The Republicans are against the bill because they think that the government is not taking into account the fact that there are already so many rules in place that need to be abided by the financial advisors. The Republicans also think that this rule would be very expensive for brokers. If this rule is imposed upon them, it may force them to let go of the small businesses that offer 401(k) plans and the Main Street clients.
Democrats’ Viewpoint
The Democrats are of the opinion that imposing this new rule is vital for ensuring that the profit-hungry financial advisers don’t exploit middle- and lower-class workers anymore. They do that currently by recommending those retirement products that are profitable for them rather than their clients.
The Statements
Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Senator stated that the rule is a solution which is seeking a problem. His fellow, Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Senator added that the rule should be renamed as only the rich retire rule.
Democrats were not behind in making statements too. New Jersey Senator, Cory Booker said that the new rule will help people to retire with dignity. It will also ensure that people don’t worry whether their financial adviser offering advice on retirement benefits would lead to exploitation or not.
What the new fiduciary rule has in store for you
The Department of Labor presented a new rule this past week that will require financial advisors who are handling retirement accounts to begin acting as fiduciaries. This fiduciary rule will imply that the needs and interests of the clients, be given first priority.
What The Fiduciary Rule Means To You
There are some questions though regarding the fee structure and retirement savings that employees would like answered. Here, we try to analyze those questions:
a) If you are not a financial advisor, will your life change?
This is the first question that must pop up in minds of everyone involved. How will the new Fiduciary Rule impact me? The answer takes heed from the fact that the new rule is focused primarily on retirement savings. Having said that, any point of contact you might have with an IRA, 401(k), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), etc. will be impacted.
b) Is your financial advisor a fiduciary?
All the financial advisors that have the following designations: Certified Financial Planner or Registered Investment Adviser, are in fact fiduciaries, by default. Depending on a percentage of your assets, they will typically charge you based on the assets you hold with their firm or possibly a set hourly or yearly fee.
The story is different however if you have an IRA at a Brokerage Firm and your major interaction is with a person who works with you as a Salesperson or who offers advice which is solely ‘Suitable’ (which is the vast majority of financial professionals) vs. that which is truly in the clients best interest, the answer can be a bit different.
c) Will money be saved?
Lastly, if you were making your deals with an advisor who works on commission the new Fiduciary Rule may end up helping you a great deal, but the new rule does not go into effect for at least a year from the writing of this article so we’ll see how much actual impact the final Rule actually has.
Reverse Mortgages for Federal Retirees
Federal Employees and Reverse Mortgages
To qualify for a reverse mortgage you must be at least 62 years old. If you are married, either you or your spouse must be age 62 or older. A reverse mortgage can provide a way to access part of your home equity to receive cash for what you want or need, while retaining ownership of your home and continuing to live in it. This sounds good, but a reverse mortgage might not be good for you. Care should be given to looking at all the factors involved in determining whether a reverse mortgage is right for you: your age, the value of your home, and your estate plan.
If you consider looking into a reverse mortgage, seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor who is knowledgeable and willing to go over the guidelines and stipulations in detail. You may also contact a certified U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Reverse Mortgage Counselor. This is something you should discuss with your family so that all options can be weighed.
Reverse Mortgages and Regular/Forward Mortgages
It is important to distinguish the difference between a reverse mortgage and a regular mortgage sometimes called a forward mortgage. With a regular mortgage you take on debt to buy your home. As you make monthly payments and pay the loan off, you build up equity. A reverse mortgage allows you to get cash or increase your monthly income by taking on debt and reducing the equity in your home. With a reverse mortgage there are no monthly mortgage payments. You take on debt without rebuilding the equity in your home.
To consider a reverse mortgage is an individual decision and one that requires you being educated so that you can make an informed decision and one you are comfortable with.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
Recommended Articles
For Postal Employees – LiteBlue and the TSP
Federal Retirement Benefit Analysis
Is The Pension Survivor Benefit Best For You? by Todd Carmack
A Little-Known Opportunity Can Increase Your Retirement Income. by Mark Sprague
Federal Employees – Building Your Financial Plan
As a Federal Employee you may seek the advice of a Financial Planner, you need to do some homework towards building your financial plan. The Financial Plan is a key component of your overall Retirement Planning strategy, so you can retire well and live in comfort and security.
Some key items of what your Financial Plan should consist of:
- – One SMART Short Term Goal (0 – 3 months)
- – One SMART Intermediate Term Goal (3 months – 1 year)
- – One SMART Long Term Goal (1 year plus)
- – A quarterly record of how you get and use your money (you may choose to use a weekly or monthly record)
- – A process of allocating your money by using the decision-making process
- – Identification of at least 3 factors that might potentially impact your financial plan (factors may change from time to time)
- – At least four strategies that will keep you firmly on your plan
- – Process by which you can easily and clearly articulate how you will monitor and modify your plan.
Building your retirement plan in your mind is the first step to getting started, commiting it to paper (electronic or otherwise) is the first step to implementation. Your plan does not need to be anything technical, but a plan that you can work with; a plan that is not tossed outside but becomes the roadmap to securing your financial future in retirement.
Federal Employee Retirement
FEGLI (Federal Employees Life Insurance)
Retirement Annuity Calculations
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
Recommended Articles
For Postal Employees – LiteBlue and the TSP
Federal Retirement Benefit Analysis
Is The Pension Survivor Benefit Best For You? by Todd Carmack
A Little-Known Opportunity Can Increase Your Retirement Income. by Mark Sprague
Determining If A Trust Is Right For You
It seems to be the general concensus that a Last Will and Testament is an essential part of a good estate plan but Living Trusts are not as widely used nor understood. Although many may think that probate is a negative of the Last Will and Testament, a great many individuals remain comfortable with it. There are a number of ways to pass your wealth onto family members. But whatever method or tool you choose, taking action is pivotal. Don’t spend so much time thinking about what to do that you simply do nothing.
Planning a strategy to pass on your wealth to family members, charities or friends must be a highly personal and individual decision. It is good to consult with individuals skilled in a number of arenas concerning making plans to secure the integrity of your estate. In the final analysis, you must make the decision as to how your assets will be handled. This requires researching and educating yourself so that you can participate intelligently in the conversation and oftentimes requires working with a knowledgeable financial professional.
It is never a good idea to be in a position to listen and listen without the benefit of having some knowledge under your belt. You don’t have to be an expert, but you surely need to have enough information so you can determine which direction you want to take. Summarily, you don’t want anyone making critically important decisions for you. You want to make those decisions yourself.
More and more individuals are turning to Trusts in managing the transfer of their wealth to their loved-ones. As the grantor or the trustor of the trust, you may make changes, additions or transfer assets. You may even terminate the trust altogether. A trust can be changed and so can a will. Both instruments require being informed. By comparing Wills and Trusts side-by-side and of course having a decision with someone you trust will help you decide if a Trust is right for you.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
Recommended Articles
For Postal Employees – LiteBlue and the TSP
Federal Retirement Benefit Analysis
Is The Pension Survivor Benefit Best For You? by Todd Carmack
A Little-Known Opportunity Can Increase Your Retirement Income. by Mark Sprague
How To Choose a Financial Professional to Handle Your Affairs
There is no fool-proof way of finding the right professional to help you handle your financial affairs. Retirement planning which includes estate planning can get very complicated. Most of us do our own retirement planning, but if you prefer to seek the advice and counsel of a financial professional consider the following tips:
Financial Advisors and Federal Employees
Seek a financial planner who has demonstrated skills in their field of expertise. Look for advisors who have been published or interviewed on topics that relate to your concerns.
If you find a financial planner via a company find out how they are compensated.
Use the Financial Planning Association’s online interview tool to assist you in asking the right questions.
If you are going to use an attorney for your estate planning needs choose one that has at least 10 years of experience in estate planning. This is a very complex field with different probate and wealth laws in every state. The attorney you choose must be keenly aware of these laws and how they apply to your personal circumstances.
Make sure that the attorney you choose is licensed to practice law in your state of legal residence.
Ask for references, preferably current and past clients, before you begin any legal work.
Check organizations and licensing boards for background information. Also check with continuing education associations focused on estate attorneys. These associations generally draw well qualified attorneys to their ranks.
Evaluate the listening skills and communication style of any advisor or attorney you are considering. If the professional is short and impatient and does all the talking without giving you the opportunity to chat and ask questions, no matter how talented, it is not a good idea to choose that person. Keep on searching.
Always do your homework when you are looking to hire someone to take care of what could be the most important business you will ever have.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
Recommended Articles
Understanding The Thrift Savings Plan, By Todd Carmack
Social Security for FERS Employees by Todd Carmack
A Little-Know Opportunity Can Increase Your Retirement Income – By Mark Sprague
Annuities Other Than Your Federal Annuity
There is a celebration of Grandparents Day normally occurring on the first Sunday after Labor Day. That’s nice that grandparents would actually be celebrated. Many federal workers active and retired are proud grandparents. Grandparents and senior citizens are also celebrated by predators, those attempting to take advantage of them as retirees. Many individuals who have never worked for the Federal Government have the mistaken perception that Federal employees are millionaires based on their salaries alone. Given, if you work anywhere in the country and earn a reasonably good salary over the life time of one’s career, there is the potential to earn a Million Dollars. That number might also be leveraged by participating in the Thrift Savings Plan, a 401K vehicle.
However, the Federal Government employs public servants meaning that Million Dollar, not even Half-Million Dollar salaries are paid. Nevertheless, Federal Retirees are targeted as easy prey both by career street criminals and those career criminals that reside in plush offices. Seniors tell me all of the time that they are inundated with advertisements and phone calls about buying annuities. They admit that some of the information and conversations sound pretty convincing. They are also told that the deals being offered need to be acted upon immediately otherwise such a rare opportunity would be missed. Right now deals are always signal a red flag. Stay away from them.
Seniors need to take control of the nature of the invitation. Retirees deserve to live life on their own terms. You’ve been invited to places and events during your entire work career. If you are not issuing the invitation and it is not from the grandchildren, ignore it. Invitations from anybody else hardly matter, even children take a backseat to grandchildren.
Many seniors move to warmer climates after retirement to soak up the sun and avoid the hassle of paying somebody to shovel snow. The warm climates are great, but one fine, warm climate is a pressure cooker for mishaps and scams against seniors – FLORIDA. Florida leads the country in Medicaid and Medicare fraud. Seniors must connect with family members they trust and be extra cautious about shiny, glossy advertisements purporting to make them rich overnight. Some scam artists even set up seminars in pricey hotels and invite seniors and retirees to attend baited by a nice lunch or dinner and carefully manipulated conversation about how to become rich and debt-free in 6 months by taking their courses.
It just makes good sense to keep trusted family members close and read up on investments that might interest you. In nearly every state in the United States there is an Office on Aging (OA). Offices on Aging have a plethora of information that can assist seniors and retirees, including things to avoid. Although many Americans are retiring today without the proper financial resources to sustain them in retirement, predicted to be about 30 years. That is an incredibly long time to live after retirement but an added bonus to spend extra time with the grandchildren.
Retirees need a predictable income stream just as actively working individuals. You should be the one to decide if an annuity fits into your retirement life. As Federal employees you will receive an annuity, your retirement pension, as a result of your work career with the Federal Government. If you need something in addition to your Federal benefits research, collaborate, investigate, find a knowledgable and trustworthy financial professional to work with and make a business-minded decision that will enhance your retirement security; not an emotional decision that might leave you saddled with empty pockets.
Just a tip about annuities: An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. The annuity’s reliability and ability to make good on the terms of the contract are dependent on the financial strength and paying ability of the insurance organization issuing the annuity. Be careful because it is your life’s work and the benefits afforded to you that you must protect.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
PSRetirement.com Can Connect you to Financial Advisors
Not satisfied with your finances, PSRetirement.com offers you the chance to receive a Free Retirement Benefit Analysis and also speak to an independent financial advisor
Federal and Postal employees have to deal with many financial particulars for their retirement planning. They need a long-term financial plan and learn all they can about their benefits and insurance costs. The whole process can get very complicated. And without proper help and guidance, mistakes can be made which can lead to some serious financial problems.
To make sure that you do not end up in financial difficulty in your retired life, you should consult a financial advisor. But before you go and talk to the first person you know, who is good with numbers, you should consider the magnitude of choosing the right financial advisor, one that is knowledgeable in the Federal Retirement benefits that you are eligible for. All of your years of service and hard work is for a quiet retirement and the person advising you on savings, benefits and insurance details should be properly qualified and experienced because your financial comfort is on the line.
PSRetirement.com offers federal and postal employees an opportunity to speak with a qualified financial advisor after receiving a free, no-obligation retirement benefit analysis. For your convenience, the website offers you a way to get in touch with a professional who can answer any questions you may have about your finances and help you resolve any issues that you may be facing.
A PSRetirement.com spokesperson talked about financial advisors and federal employees, saying, “We understand the importance of proper financial planning. That is why we believe it is important to give our readers the opportunity to speak with a local financial advisor who may be able to answer their questions. Most people understand the importance of having good advice, but sometimes you just don’t know where to look to get it.”
If you have decided to approach your federal retirement planning with the help of a professional then this service from PSRetirement.com will greatly benefit you. An experienced financial advisor can provide you with many tips and recommendations on how you can plan out your retirement savings. They can also offer you advice on how to manage your social security benefits and how to minimize your insurance costs.
PSRetirement.com is like your partner in planning your retirement. The website provides you all the resources and information you would require to make a thorough and favorable retirement plan. You will almost certainly find the answers you need.
About the Company
PSRetirement.com is the ultimate resource for updated information related to Federal and Postal Retirement. The website contains everything there is to know about the rights, responsibilities, and the laws governing civil service and federal employee retirement systems. It also features articles related to financial planning, social security benefits, FSAFEDS, TSP.gov account, Postal Employee LiteBlue information and also several forms for insurance, such as FEGLI & FEHB, along with information on your Thrift Savings Plan and other retirement benefits.
Website: http://www.psretirement.com/
Credit Unions
Credit Unions
Many credit union members do not take advantage of the benefits offered as a result of their membership. More than half of the federal workforce has membership in a credit union. Creidt unions are owned by the membership who in turn elects a volunteer board, who are also members, to take care of the business of the credit union.
Credit Unions serve a particular population. Either you are a family member must work within the framework of the population served in order to be a member. Example, if you work for the Postal Service or some other Federal Agency, by virtue of your employment you may become a member of the credit union. Your membership will also allow certain family members to gain membership also. Aditionally, there are credit unions that serve church members, social organizations or other designated groups.
Credit Unions offer a wide range of services to its members. Fees are often lower than fees found in most traditional financial institutions such as banks. Credit unions also offer financial counseling services that many members fail to take advantage of when planning their financial future and looking ahead to retirement. Credit unions offer the same basic services as banks. Credit union affiliation is by membership but anyone, all things being equal, can open a bank account.
Credit unions used to have the stigma of not being open on week-ends and having limited lobby hours. Although a number of credit unions still do not have week-end hours, a great majority do, in addition to having extended lobby hours. Whether you use a credit union or a traditional bank make sure that you are aware of the range of services offered and use them to your advantage.
Check with your credit union or financial institution to see what services are offered that will help you and your family make sound tax decisions to protect your wealth.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
RELATED ARTICLES
The Federal Employee’s Financial Advisor
Nursing Homes and Your Assets
Your Assets with Nursing Homes
It is estimated that 70% of Americans will need long-term care at some point in their lifetime.
Choosing to put a family member into a facility outside of their home carries a high emotional as well as a huge financial price tag. Family members struggle to find resources to locate care for family members who need it. If the decision comes down to putting a family member in a nursing home, then there is the question of what will happen to the family member’s assets.
There are some assets that are protected when individuals are placed in nursing homes and apply for Medicaid assistance. Many individuals enter nursing homes and pay for the services initially out of pocket. If they are on Medicare the cost of long-term stays is generally not covered. Therefore, when the resident’s resources are exhausted they may become eligible for Medicaid assistance.
In the event the resident qualifies for Medicaid it does not means that all of the individual’s assets will necessarily be turned over to the Nursing Home in order to recoup the cost of services rendered. If a spouse is in a nursing home and the other spouse is not, the couple’s home is not compromised or sold to pay the nursing home charges. The family is entitled to one car or truck, a burial plot and prepaid non-refundable funeral costs. Certain other dependents living in the home may qualify for the same protection to stay in the home as the spouse.
There is a federal law identified as the ‘spousal impoverishment’ rules that protect spouses of nursing home residents from losing all of their income and assets to pay for the care of a spouse receiving care in a nursing home. Medicaid laws differ state-by-state. It is therefore suggested that you visit the Medicaid Office in the state where you reside for additional information and resources or work directly with a financial advisor who understand Medicaid rules and can help you during this trying time.
It should also be noted that all nursing homes do not accept Medicaid. If you are looking for assistance when having to use the services Medicaid then you would want to locate Medicaid Certified Nursing Homes. There may also be nursing homes that are not necessarily Medicaid facilities but may have Medicaid beds. So if your ability to pay for services while in such a facility is depleted, it is always a good idea to ask if the facility has any Medicaid beds which would prevent families from having to move their loved ones to another facility.
Pre-planning ahead of time allows families to make better decisions. This is when having a well constructed financial plan can make such a huge difference. If you’ve been working with a good financial professional then it is likely that you’ve covered this contingency. Possibly purchased a long-term care insurance policy or maybe even established a Trust that specifically works to protect assets in the event of extremely high nursing home costs was put in place. It is important that families know the rules and laws that govern Nursing Home facilities and assets, exemptions and non-exemptions. Laws may vary from state-to-state making it urgently important to read carefully and collect needed information to make an informed and timely decision.
Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys to find out how the laws work in your state.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
MORE ARTICLES
Financial Advisors and Federal Employees
I was recently asked if my trainer of financial advisors and planners interested in the federal workforce differed from training federal workers? Without missing a beat, I said most emphatically “It certainly does.” It is more intense because financial advisors for federal employees need to know more about the Federal Retirement Systems than the federal workforce themselves.
The Federal Retirement Systems probably have some of the best benefits you will find all things being equal. It, too, is a system of immense rules and regulations that can be undeniably complex, even for someone who has spent a career absorbing all of the nooks and crannies.
The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) often referred to as the old retirement system was enacted in 1920. The world has changed a number of times since then and many amendments have been made to the system. One must be constantly updated on the changes so as to be an excellent source of information dissemination. I find that many financial advisors and planners I work with who wish to begin helping the federal workforce think of simply helping the workers manage their money. There is nothing wrong with that premise only that would leave the federal employee missing out on a great number of potential benefits
Federal Employees Partnering with Financial Advisors
Financial Advisors and Financial Planners (really the same thing) are important pieces of the partnership needed to guide the federal employee workforce to safe harbor so that their sails can withstand the uncertainty of storms that will surely come in their lives. To strategize such a journey requires acquiring a very sound knowledge of the Federal Retirement Systems (FERS, CSRS, FEGLI, FSAFEDS, etc.).
We are not talking about becoming Federal Retirement Specialists, but we are talking about partnerships that will equip these professionals to help manage the financial resources of a very unique group of employees. When you cast your net to work with the federal workforce in helping to plan their retirement, it needs to be cast wide because federal employees are as diverse as their many duties and responsibilities.
Although there are two retirement systems technically, there are a number of aspects that apply to special categories of employees as well, like firefighters, air traffic controllers and law enforcement officials.
Yes, my approach to conversational training with financial professionals is much more intense and absolutely focused on ensuring they know the language of the federal retirement systems and its workforce so that they can give them the tools necessary to retire in comfort and security.
If the federal workforce gets a course in the basics of the Federal Retirement Systems, then the professionals they entrust to handle their hard earned money – get the ADVANCED-ZERO TOLERANCE version with lots of hand-holding collaboration. I learn as much from Financial Advisors and Planners as they learn from me. We are all invested in making life in retirement and before a little easier to maneuver for federal workforce.
Financial Advisors who are knowledgable in federal and postal benefits need to be able to help you with your TSP account and Thrift Savings Plan fund choices, your Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) selection (both while employed and any potential reduction elections that you might want) and also possibly help you with your FSAFEDS and FEHB elections.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
Recommended Articles
For Postal Employees – LiteBlue and the TSP
Federal Retirement Benefit Analysis
Is The Pension Survivor Benefit Best For You? by Todd Carmack
A Little-Known Opportunity Can Increase Your Retirement Income. by Mark Sprague
Financial Professional – The Right Choice for Federal Employees
Federal Employees and Choosing a Financial Professional
Retirement planning for federal and postal employees can get pretty complicated, which is why we recommend that federal employees should seek out the guidance of a qualified financial professional to help them. Many individuals do their own retirement planning; while others seek the advice and counsel of a professional to set them on a path to retiring well. Below are some tips and recommendations for choosing a financial professional to help you handle your financial future.
• Seek a financial professional who has demonstrated they are experts in the federal or postal retirement market. These professionals have fulfilled the rigorous training, testing and ethical standards required to achieve various designations.
• Find a local financial professional who knows about your Thrift Savings Plan along with the in’s and out’s of Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) & Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
• Ask for references, preferably current and past clients, before you begin any legal work.
• If you decide to use an attorney for your estate planning needs choose one that has at least 10 years of experience in estate planning. This is a very complex field with different probate and wealth laws in every state. The attorney you choose must be keenly aware of these laws and how they apply to your personal circumstances.
• Make sure that the attorney you choose is licensed to practice law in your state of legal residence.
• Check organizations and licensing boards for background information. Also check with continuing education associations focused on estate attorneys. These associations generally draw well qualified attorneys to their ranks.
• Evaluate the listening skills and communication style of any advisor or attorney you are considering. If the professional is short and impatient and does all the talking without giving you the opportunity to chat and ask questions, no matter how talented, you may want to keep searching.
• Do your homework. Ask the professional if they’ve received any special training in federal employee retirement. Check their credentials, see if they have any third-party endorsements or have been published on subjects similar to your questions.
In choosing a financial professional you are selecting a partner – a person who will likely be working with you for years to come. Therefore, you want to make sure that you are hiring the most qualified financial professional you can find.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
RELATED TSP ARTICLES
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Withdrawal Options
For Postal Employees – LiteBlue and the TSP
Is All ‘Your’ TSP Money Actually Yours?
Planning Your Retirement
Getting Help Planning Your Retirement
Getting involved early in planning will allow federal and postal workers the opportunity to create additional financial resources to increase their retirement comfort. We always hear the phrase, “Know Your Number” – the amount of money you will need to retire with financial security. This is especially important when you consider your Thrift Savings Plan and also your CSRS or FERS annuity.
There are many on-line calculators that can be used for that purpose to evaluate estimates. There is really no guaranteed formula for calculating exactly how much money you will need in retirement. There are strategies and planning, however, that will give you a fairly good estimate and ways to get there. Although every situation and circumstance is unique to the individual it is still a good plan to gather all of your financial information and to engage a financial planner or adviser who has been trained in your federal retirement benefits.
Finding a financial adviser is not one-stop shopping. Finding the right fit for you requires some research, some investigation, perhaps a referral and just trusting your gut. Putting all of your plans in place to retire well is one of the best gifts you will ever give to yourself.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
